An inspiring Indian teacher has made waves by creating over 800 learning centers throughout India, providing education to children who have never set foot in a school. Rouble Nagi has been awarded the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize from GEMS Education for her remarkable efforts.
Her classrooms, situated in more than 100 slums and villages, serve as safe and motivating environments that tackle the challenges posed by poverty, such as child labor, early marriage, inconsistent attendance, and inadequate infrastructure.
Instead of viewing these difficulties as obstacles, Ms. Nagi tailors her educational approach to fit real-life situations. She offers flexible schedules for working children, utilizes hands-on learning techniques with recycled materials, and emphasizes practical skills that bring immediate benefits to families.
Thanks to her innovative programs, dropout rates have plummeted by over 50%, and long-term school retention has seen significant improvements.
With her $1 million prize, Rouble aims to establish a free vocational institute and a digital literacy training program, aspiring to uplift the lives of millions of marginalized youth.
Her journey began in her early twenties during an art workshop when she met a child who had never encountered a pencil. This pivotal moment changed the course of her life and ignited her passion for education. Over the last two decades, she has successfully integrated more than one million children into the formal education system, and one of her unique tools is art.
Rouble has transformed neglected walls into vibrant interactive murals that teach subjects such as reading, math, and science, alongside vital lessons on hygiene, history, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.
Funded through her nonprofit, the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, these murals are more than just beautiful artwork; they are open-air classrooms that captivate children, engage parents, and turn entire communities into advocates for education.
Sunny Varkey, founder of both the Global Teacher Prize and GEMS Education, praised Rouble, stating, “She embodies the best qualities of teaching—courage, creativity, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in every child’s potential.”
By bringing education to the most underserved communities, she has not only transformed individual lives but also strengthened families and entire neighborhoods.
The Global Teacher Prize, now in its tenth year and in partnership with UNESCO, stands as the largest award of its kind. Rouble was chosen from over 5,000 nominations and applications spanning 139 countries.
Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, remarked, “This moment serves as a reminder of a simple truth: teachers matter. We are honored to recognize teachers like you, who, through patience, determination, and belief in every learner, help children find their way into school—an act that can truly alter the course of a life.”
In addition to her teaching, Rouble is the author of “The Slum Queen” and travels extensively across India, directly engaging with children in learning centers and mentoring the dedicated teachers leading these initiatives.
